Using firm level data from eight Sub-Saharan Africa countries we examine credit constraint differentials between male and female manufacturing entrepreneurs. Enterprises owned by female entrepreneurs are less likely to be credit constrained compared to their male counterparts. The magnitude of this credit constraint gap varies with constraint and ownership definitions but the direction of the g...

This study presents an empirical analysis of the cost efficiency of a sample of Swiss multi-utilities operating in the distribution of electricity, natural gas and water. The multi-utilities that operate in different sectors are characterized by a strong unobserved heterogeneity. Therefore the measurement of their performance poses an important challenge for the regulators. The purpose of this ...

This paper investigates empirically whether and to what extent initial capital constraints hinder entrepreneurial performance once the venture has been started. As discussed in the paper, prior empirical research in this area could investigate this issue only indirectly by lack of data and adequate empirical identification strategies. The key contribution of this paper is that – due to our comp...

This paper seeks to investigate operating efficiency of the South Eastern European banking sector, an emerging region that has rarely been investigated, over the period 1998-2003 and to examine the relationship between operating costs and various banks’ characteristics. We compile the variables of our model using accounting data. Subsequently, we investigate banking production costs across seve...

A multi-response optimization problem was developed in search of an optimal parametric combination to yield favorable bead geometry of bead-on-plate weldments produced by submerged arc welding. Taguchi’s L25 orthogonal array design was employed to optimize the results within experimental limits. The objective functions were selected in terms of responses of bead geometry, viz. height of reinfor...

Objective - The digital economy is believed to be one of Malaysia's largest sectors as online businesses are expected exhibit an increase 10% in the near future. This factor eventually prompted subsequent studies on business models. study aims discover types capabilities that could enhance firm competitiveness Malaysian fashion industry. Methodology/Technique A questionnaire was developed and d...